He was always a good man, father, husband, worker, teammate.

Anne, On behalf of myself and the El Dorado High School 1957 Reunion Committee, and indeed, all of the entire 1957 Class of El Dorado High School, our most sincere condolences to you, our classmate, on the passing of Wayne, also a member of the EHS 57 class, and to your extended family. We recently held our EHS 58th Reunion on 8 and 9 May 2015. Needless to say, you and Wayne are remembered fondly at all of our Reunions. We hope you will be able to attend our next 60th year reunion which will be sometime in 2017. I realize your loss is very painful as I lost my wife after 56 years of marriage in 2013. Grief does have stages, and never goes away, but the later stages are more bearable than the earlier stages. God will give you the strength to bear all of these stages, eventho the burden seems unbearable at times.. So please look to GOD for the strength to get through these painful stages. Along with Wayne, I tried out for football in Jr High, and early in the 10th grade of El Dorado High, but the athletic talent of Wayne and the other talented players soon made me realize I should just sit back and watch our El Dorado team bring victories through the talents of players like Wayne. We all remember him as a kind, caring classmate and followed his career as an Arkansas Razorback, and as a Calgary Stampeder. He was one who gave us a sense of pride in the excellent education we received in our beloved town, and he was loved by many, not only in our class, but the entire El Dorado community.

I was a long time friend of Wayne’s from the Oil Patch. I want to send my sincere condolences to Anne and the rest of Wayne’s family.

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. You know that Wayne has been so special to us. You have many memories to cherish, and have wonderful children and family to be by your side. Please know that you will always be in our prayers. We love you

Bev, Wayne Jr, Daralynne, James. Haven’t seen you for a few years but was still saddened to here of the passing of Wayne Harris. I remember you speaking of him with nothing but respect. My sincere condolences to you, Anne and the rest of your family.

Wayne Harris was and will always be Mr. Calgary Stampeder, he played the game with grace and intelligence,he will be missed. It is comforting to know his legacy will live on with Wayne Jr coaching the Dino’s. My condolences to the family.

Dear Ann,

I remember the happy times we had when you were trying to teach a clumsy lefty how to tole paint! I loved the little “bluebird (vulture) of happiness” on your painting apron, and I managed to find one in a book and copied it onto my sweatshirt. I think of you every time I wear it. When you and Heather Ann came all the way out to Airdrie for tea that was the icing on my cake. You were a wonderful mentor and I tried to pass that on to my own students.

I was so sorry to hear about Wayne. He was a great man, and everyone will miss him. Please accept my love and condolences.

Dearest Ann, Wayne Jr., Cooper, Wynelle and Heather Ann,

I would like to extend my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to you on the loss of your father. He was a great man that was always talked about in the highest regard. Without a doubt, he was one of the greatest football players that the CFL or any other league saw in his era. You don’t earn a nickname like “Thumper” without knocking a few people out of their shoes. You don’t earn the honor of being named the Greatest Stampeder of All-Time without playing the game the way it was intended. You don’t get your likeness put on a Canadian stamp everyday unless you have achieved greatness. You also realize that even with all of these accolades, you don’t get to achieve them without a great family that stands behind you, and the support of great friends, teammates, coaches and a great organization. I would hazard a guess that above all that Wayne achieved on the field, his crowning achievement is his family and the many friends that he made along the way.

I did not have the opportunity to really know Wayne well but I will never forget hearing from Wayne Jr. that his dad would be able to attend the Media Day event during the Calgary stop of the CFL Rona Grey Cup Train Tour back in 2012. I was so excited to have him be part of the celebration of a trophy that he was a big part of and, how do you not have him present to take his picture beside his likeness on a stamp on the side of the train touring the country celebrating the CFL? That was a special day for not only me but also the couple of amateur football teams that were invited to be part of the celebration and meet Wayne Harris with the Grey Cup. Wayne had a smile from ear to ear as he took countless pictures and shook many hands with everyone there. There beside him was Wayne Jr, and Ann to assist in anything he might need. The pride in their faces was incredible as Wayne was in the spotlight as many were there to congratulate him, meet him or take their picture with him. It seems to me that the spotlight was not a place that he looked for but one that he most definitely deserved that day.

Wayne was the definition of class and any young person aspiring to greatness in any endeavor should take a look at how Wayne conducted himself, how he treated others and how he loved his family. He will be sorely missed by all those that he touched. May he rest in peace knowing that through his family he has left this world a better place for the rest of us than how he found it.

On behalf of the Calgary Stampeder Alumni Association and my family, I offer my deepest sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Harris family at this time.

Dear Anne & Harris Family,

Our deepest condolences to you and the family, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of Wayne. We will always miss the friendly smile and wave from across the street. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Please know that your are in our thoughts and prayers.

The Anderson Family

Wayne, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your loss. Keep the happy and funny times close at heart and that will help make the difficult times a little easier.

Thinking of you all,

Kerri Downer

Dear Anne,

My sincere condolences to you and the entire Harris family. Wayne was a great football player, but more importantly an amazing person! All the memories will live on in his place and we are all thankful that we had the opportunity to have him cross our paths along the way during his time with us.

My thoughts are with you all,

Rocco Romano

Anne, I want to extend my deepest sympathy on the loss of Wayne. I know you, the kids, grandkids and extended family are heartbroken at this time. Wayne was an exceptional man and I always appreciated the time I spent with him and the whole family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Dear Anne and family, our deepest sympathies on your loss. Our thoughts are with you as you remember a life well lived.

Sugarfoot and Anne

Good Morning I am Donna Robison’s brother (Donna and Larry) So sorry to hear this. I met Wayne a number of times and was a huge fan of his when he played for the Stamps. I know he had struggled the past years. He was a wonderful guy and I am honoured to have met him. My sincere condolences go out to you and your family, and may he rest in peace.

truly a sad day for the family, to lose such a great man, sportsman, husband,father, grandfather.He was a true Calgarian even thought he wasnt born here, his dedication to sports at the high school level, and to the stampeders made him so. I may be biased as a stampeder fan but he was the greatest linebacker the game has ever seen, he played in an era of more running plays than passing. He never faultered in a game and was always the leader on defence. I remember going to games in the junior QB section which is now the red and white club, and watching the games, 55 was the guy I always watched, his play and speed was impressive to watch, when I played bantam ball I played LB and wore 56 sadly, but in high school I got the honor to wear my heros number 55.

A great loss to lose this man.

My and my families deepest sympathy to his family. God Bless

Wayne “Thumper” Harris will be missed by all that knew him. Especially those of us who grew up with Ann and Wayne in El Dorado, Arkansas and were team mates and class mates. They were both admired, loved and respected. It seems as if it were just yesterday that we were all together at pep rallies and football games. All such fun. Ann, all here feel your loss but know you are blessed with a wonderful life time of memories. Draw and cherish them and know that you are also blessed with a large family and many friends that are thinking of you fondly at this time.

Betty and I send all our Love.

My condolences to the entire Harris family. Wayne will be truly missed by thousands of Stampeder and football fans in general, but as family members you were truly blessed to be able to call Wayne your husband, your father and grandfather, and probably each and everyone of you your best friend! I feel your sadness but your gratefulness as well. I grew up a Stampeder fan, wanting to meet Eagle Day but when my father took me to Stampeder practices he wanted me to meet the “Thumper”, watching number 55 battle with number 34 of the respected Roughriders were epic battles I will never forget watching from the Safeway quarterback section. 1971 said it all, the Red and Whites first Grey Cup win since 1948 and they were led by the MVP of the game Wayne “Thumper” Harris. As I grew older I was fortunate to work for my favourite football team of all time, and had the pleasure of meeting the “man” Wayne Harris, and I can truly say that he was and will always be the “greatest Stampeder of all-time” but is also one of the greatest Calgarians of all-time. He was gentle, respectful and always drew people to him in a room of any size. My own father was fortunate to be the equipment manager for the Calgary Colts when they won back to back Canadian titles, he would tell that “Cooper” was a reincarnation of his dad. Coop I know my dad is thinking of you and I am sure they both are talking about you right now.

Stay strong!

Every once and a while there is someone who enters your life that impacts it in a special way, Wayne was one of those people. Honoured for his prowess on the football field he was much more than that. A gentle soul, honest friend and business man and above all a true family man, he extolled all the virtues that many of us hold in high esteem. You will never be forgotten my friend. Our condolences to your family. Pat and Kerry Clayton

Dear Anne,

On behalf of the Calgary Stampeder Football Club’s Ownership Group; Chairman, Ken King; Governor, Doug Mitchell; President, Gord Norrie; Head Coach and General Manager, John Hufnagel; management; coaches; players and the entire Calgary Stampeder family, we are deeply saddened by the loss of your husband Wayne.

The Harris family will be faced with enormous and profound adjustments. These adjustments will be such that they affect the whole being. The path of grief, hurt and finally acceptance will take time, a path that each family member must travel alone. You are fortunate that your family and friends are close and each in their own special way will help each other.

I, like so many, was fortunate to have known Wayne as a friend and as a member of the Canadian football fraternity. I have been blessed in my life to meet people that made a difference. Wayne Harris is one such person. Without the support of people like Wayne, specifically for their wisdom and most importantly friendship, I might not have survived the unpredictable world of professional football.

His tools are generosity, strength and compassion. Wayne displayed a quiet and unassuming manner off the field. Truly a gentleman, he always found time to show genuine interest in the people that he met. On the playing field he was a true gladiator, leading and supporting his teammates and respecting his opponents. In my world, he will be remembered as the greatest defensive player ever to suit up in the Canadian Football League.

A sport will only be as good as the people who devote their personal time to that sport’s betterment. By that yardstick, Canadian Football is better today because of Wayne Harris’ commitment during and following his Hall of Fame playing career. Wayne’s dedication and longstanding commitment to Canadian football are a rarity when compared to the selfishness and individualism so prominent in sports today. Wayne left a giant footprint in his journey through life. Few could only dream of traveling the Wayne Harris road.

The story of Stampeder football is about people, vision, leadership, commitment, dedication and achieving success. Wayne Harris is what Stampeder football is all about. The Club’s “Running White Horse” stands for passion, commitment and work ethic. Wayne rode the “White Horse” in a true Stampeder and western fashion.

A more important statement about Wayne and the kind of person he was, is what he left behind. Wayne is so fortunate to have a caring family and great friends. He was so proud of you; his children, Wayne Jr.; Wynelle; Cooper; Heather-Anne; his grandchildren; his sisters; his brother; loving nieces; nephews; extended family; and friends. What greater satisfaction is there in life? People are better off today for knowing Wayne Harris.

Knowing all to well the tough times that lie ahead, empathy for the Harris family is strong. Remember the good times that will always be there to remind you, for they will help you through the many heartbreaking moments. Hold these memories fast. Soon they will help you remember with a smile. Wayne lives on in your life and the lives of others who knew him.

I leave you with the following quote from Sir Winston Churchill, “WHAT IS THE USE OF LIVING, IF IT BE NOT TO STRIVE FOR NOBLE CAUSES AND TO MAKE THIS MUDDLED WORLD A BETTER PLACE FOR THOSE WHO WILL LIVE IN IT AFTER WE ARE GONE?” By that yardstick, life in Canada and the Canadian Football League is better today because of Wayne Harris’ commitment to excellence.

Our sympathy and prayers are with you and your family.

Your Stampeder Family,

Calgary Stampeder Football Club

Stan J. Schwartz

I had the good fortune of playing football and attending classes at El Dorado High with Wayne. I remember him as a powerful “plugged in” player and I was certainly glad that he was on OUR team. Wayne fit into the gentle giant mode on the field and was quiet and unassuming off the field. Our prayers are with all his family and friends (of whom he had many) during this time as well as in the future time of adjustment. May God give you His peace,rest and strength for the coming days.

Adair Ellen

Pastor

Prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember our dearly departed. May the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days, our most heartfelt condolences.

Anne, Wayne Jr, Bev, James and Daralynne –

We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Wayne. We are fortunate to have known him from the ‘old days’, admiring him as a Football player and respecting him so for the humble, genuine man he was. A quiet, down to earth gentleman. Truly an amazing man.

Our thoughts are with you, love and prayers at this difficult time for your family.

Bill & Kelly Sexsmith.

We were saddened in hearing of Wayne’s death.

We have fond memories of living in Hammond’s Mobile Home Park in Fayetteville, AR in 1959-62.

We were your neighbors in the small blue mobile home across the drive through.

Our prayer is that God continue to bless and comfort your family during this difficult time, and may you rejoice in the memories of the good life you shared.

Franklin & Phana Johnson

Sheridan, AR

The opportunity to know Wayne far exceeds any level of comprehension and an experience many missed beyond the field of football. Thank you Wayne for being an inspiration to the many who didn’t have the chance to meet you personally and yes, for the many hours of superb football. To the family, I extend my heartfelt condolence and remind you to remember the thousands of fans who have a lifetime of memories thanks to Wayne. Rest well my friend.

Anne, our sincere condolences to you and the family. May the love and memories that you share of your time together with Wayne put smiles on your faces and warm your hearts at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Wayne,

We were greatly saddened to learn of your Father’s passing earlier this week.

Please know that we are thinking of you, Bev and your Family at this very difficult time.

With Deepest Sympathy,

Kent Warnock & Carol Kost

Harris Family,

I was very fortunate to have Wayne as my Captain and Team Mate with the Stampeders. I can attest first hand to his abilities as one of the greatest football players I have been associated with or have ever seen. Playing directly opposite him when I was with the Alouettes was truly challenging and somewhat scary. He was a mentor to us and a great leader by example. A man of few words but many accomplishments. He will be missed.

Basil Bark

Growing up watching and imagining being a stampeder, Wayne Harris was the ipedomy of the sport and the face of the stamps. Not only when he played but still considered now the best stampeder ever! I had the pleasure to meet him and as a gentleman, professional, and person he had few peers. My sincere condolences to his family.

Tom

To Wayne, Jr. and Family:

Please accept my condolences at this time. I know that you must have a lot of fond memories of your father and that they will be treasured forever.Please know that your father, you, and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers this weekend

Sincerely

Tim Buehner (Retired)

Instructor in Law

Henry Wise Wood Senior High School

To the Harris Family.

I had the privilege of playing football with Wayne. I consider him the best player I ever played with. Tough as nails on the field and a gentleman off the field. Our prayers for Anne and the family.

Heaven is lucky to get someone like him.

Patty & Bill

Wayne Jr. (Thumper), Bev, James and Daralynne, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. May our Lord Jesus Christ comfort you at the difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

With Deepest Sympathy,

Your long ago Castleridge neighbour,

Leslie (Knutson) Aughey

Wayne Jr. and family; Sincere sadness with the death of your father, at such a young age. I know that his greatness will live on with you, Wayne. You possess his best characteristics and his mild manner. Your husband, father, will live forever with many of us.